Machine Learning Canopy Cover Assessment

Monash City Council has established a target of increasing the tree canopy cover of the City of Monash by 30% by 2040.

To reach this measurable target, tree canopy must be measured across the City of Monash, which is no small feat. To construct the model of tree canopy cover, Morphum’s GIS team worked with our partners at Piano Player Data Analytics to implement machine learning technology into the model itself, allowing for advanced algorithms to scan the region for tree cover, and support the identification of the best opportunities to improve the tree canopy cover.

‍

Machine Learning GIS

The biggest challenge in developing a model for tree cover, is the relative scale. Being able to detect something as small as tree cover on a city-wide scale would make the manual process of calculating the canopy an almost impossible task for Monash City Council.

With the implementation of tree ledger machine learning algorithms, identifying the canopy cover becomes a far more streamlined process.

For this project, we produced an in-browser interactive map and reports that visualise the current coverage, areas containing constraints that would make them unsuitable for planting and identifying priority planting areas that maximise urban cooling and biodiversity benefits for the city.

The model and interactive data platform have comprehensive quality assurance protocols to validate data and exceed industry standards for accuracy. With the quality assurance and the algorithm working together, the model becomes a hyper accurate assessment of the city at a fraction of the cost of manual survey.

‍

Planning Actions

With the model supporting the identification of planting sites, the project to improve the canopy cover of the city becomes more cost-effective, saving time and money on the planning and execution.

The model provides an evidence base to Monash City Council, which allows them to prioritise their investment into urban greening. This interactive map model also allows for adjustments to be made to view different inputs and scenarios as needed, helping in the forecasting of future projects.

‍

Impact

The project to increase green areas of Monash builds on the previous efforts from the council’s strategic plan, horticultural services, city design departments and initiatives with Living Melbourne. The goal is to reduce the effects of urban heat islands, connect habitats and improve the community spaces across the city.

With a focus on urban cooling using tree canopies, our cities can reduce the risk of extreme heat events alongside the wider benefits of nature-based solutions.

Being able to competently model something as complex as the tree canopy for a city has set a strong foundation as Stage 1 of the greening project for Monash City Council.

With Morphum’s expertise in GIS-based modelling and algorithm expertise of Player Piano Data Analytics, we’re able to support the co-creation of thriving ecosystems that plan for the future of our cities.

‍